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Meeting Dima
(from a recent MAPS newsletter)
MAPS’ strong track record in Russian adoption is one of the reasons Michael Hodsdon and Mary Ruoff Hodsdon of Belfast, Maine decided to adopt through our Russia program .
The couple met their son Dima for the first time just before Christmas 2005 at the baby home in Murmansk, Russia. “When he came into the room with a caregiver,” said Mary, “he greeted us with a little wave. I felt an immediate connection to this sweet little boy. At first he was so reserved and tentative that I was a little worried, but I remembered what I had learned at MAPS about a child’s adjustment and realized that his reaction was totally normal. By the second day, he really began to warm up to us.”
Jen McKane, the MAPS program coordinator who helped Mary and Michael throughout their adoption, explained, “The adoption process itself – with its two required trips – helps children make a smooth transition to their new families. The family and the child really get to know each other before the adoption takes place. That helps with bonding and reduces stress on both the child and the parents.” So when the Hodsdons returned to Russia just a few weeks after Dima’s second birthday, they were able to complete the adoption and bring their new son home without any hurdles.
He was, it seemed, already a member of the family. The bond was immediate and obvious, even captivating passersby in the airport on the trip home. “From the beginning, people were drawn to him,” said Mary. “On our long trip home, fellow passengers told us how cute Dima is. Then, when they learned that we had just adopted him, they were shocked – he was so healthy and engaging, and he already seemed so attached to us.”
“The process went so well largely because of Dima’s wonderful caregivers in Russia, and the effort they put into preparing him for life with ‘Mama and Papa,’” said Mary. Michael added, “Dima left the baby home and never looked back.” Now four years old, he excels at his Montessori preschool and says that trucks, trains, holidays, and snow are among his favorite things.
Although the exact number of children in Russia waiting for adoptive homes is not known, Jen knows that more loving, permanent families are needed. “We would love to see more families apply. Many children are available right now, including older babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and sibling groups,” she said.
Stephanie Mitchell, MAPS’ executive director, is excited about the future of the Russia program. “Now that we are reaccredited, we’re looking to expand our program into other regions in Russia and give families even more options. This is great news for those who have an interest in a particular province or ties to a specific area in Russia.”
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